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Truck wont start, howling sound coming from between transmission and transfer case

Tiny
CODYB17
  • MEMBER
  • 1989 FORD F-150
  • 200 MILES
My truck has had problems starting since I got it, the first time I turn the key it makes a thump sound, and the second time it usually starts up fine. Lately its been getting worse, and when it does start up it has trouble. Now it wont start at all, when I turn the key I can hear something spinning, I checked it out and the sound is coming from between the transmission and the transfer case. I've taken an automotive class but I dont know what could've happened.
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Tuesday, July 31st, 2012 AT 1:34 PM

12 Replies

Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
You mean the engine is cranking with spinning noise?

I can't tie up any noise between the transmission and transfer case with anything that works when ignition is turned to crank.

It should be the starter motor and it could have a bad pinion gear or you have a bad flywheel ring gear.
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Tuesday, July 31st, 2012 AT 2:33 PM
Tiny
CODYB17
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  • 8 POSTS
The engine isn't cranking, the belts not moving, nothing, the only thing when I turn the key is that noise, I checked, and the flywheel doesnt turn when I try to start it either
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Tuesday, July 31st, 2012 AT 2:37 PM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
Yes, that means the starter is freewheeling. You would need to remove the starter to check if the starter gear is bad or you could have missing/worn tooths on the flywheel ring gear.
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Tuesday, July 31st, 2012 AT 2:58 PM
Tiny
CODYB17
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  • 8 POSTS
Well I have the starter off and it looks like the teeth on both the starter and the flywheel(or at least the section I can see) are good, how would I check if the starter gear is bad?
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Tuesday, July 31st, 2012 AT 4:15 PM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
The starter gear should turn one way wihout the shaft turning. If you turn it the other way, it should hold the shaft as the one way clutch grips it.
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Tuesday, July 31st, 2012 AT 4:17 PM
Tiny
CODYB17
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  • 8 POSTS
So I should only be able to turn the teeth one direction? Because I can turn it both ways
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Tuesday, July 31st, 2012 AT 4:21 PM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
That means the one way clutch has failed.
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Tuesday, July 31st, 2012 AT 4:27 PM
Tiny
CODYB17
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
So I need a new starter? Or can I just get a new clutch or something for it?
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Tuesday, July 31st, 2012 AT 4:28 PM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
There are starter gears available separately. Disassemble the starter and check the carbon brushes, if they are running low, might as well make a complete unit replacement.
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Tuesday, July 31st, 2012 AT 4:37 PM
Tiny
CODYB17
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
Well I dont know if it was because of the starter or something else but the first time I turned the key it would make kind of a thump sound and that was it, but the second time it would start up fine. Do you think it was the starter binding up on something
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Tuesday, July 31st, 2012 AT 4:53 PM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
There is a posibility the starter was the cause of that. Replace the starter and retest.
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Tuesday, July 31st, 2012 AT 5:04 PM
Tiny
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Ok, thank you for the help
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Tuesday, July 31st, 2012 AT 5:33 PM

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